FOX News Channel (FNC) is a 24-hour all-encompassing news service delivering breaking news as well as political and business news. The number one network in cable, FNC has been the most-watched television news channel for 18 consecutive years.

According to a 2020 Brand Keys Consumer Loyalty Engagement Index report, FOX News is the top brand in the country for morning and evening news coverage.

A 2019 Suffolk University poll named FOX News as the most trusted source for television news or commentary, while a 2019 Brand Keys Emotion Engagement Analysis survey found that FOX News was the most trusted cable news brand.

A 2017 Gallup/Knight Foundation survey also found that among Americans who could name an objective news source, FOX News was the top-cited outlet. Owned by FOX Corporation, FNC is available in nearly 90 million homes and dominates the cable news landscape, routinely notching the top ten programs in the genre.

The Absurdity of Blame: A Reflection on Accountability in Crisis Management

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has witnessed a myriad of responses from leaders, some commendable and others deeply flawed. One of the most contentious issues has been the handling of vulnerable populations, particularly in nursing homes. The tragic loss of life in these facilities has sparked outrage and demands for accountability, especially directed at those in power who made critical decisions. A poignant example of this is the case of Janice Dean, a senior meteorologist at Fox News, who lost both of her in-laws to the virus while they were in a New York nursing home. Her experience sheds light on the absurdity of shifting blame away from those who made the decisions that led to such devastating outcomes.

During a recent interview, Dean expressed her frustration with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s attempts to deflect responsibility for the state’s nursing home policies. Cuomo, who initially signed the order allowing COVID-19 patients to be admitted to nursing homes, has been criticized for his lack of accountability. Instead of owning up to the consequences of his decisions, he has blamed various entities, including the federal government, the media, and even “Mother Nature.” This pattern of deflection is not only disheartening but also emblematic of a broader issue in leadership during crises: the failure to accept responsibility.

Dean’s personal tragedy is a stark reminder of the human cost of political decisions. She articulated her disbelief at Cuomo’s refusal to acknowledge his role in the nursing home crisis, stating, “He’s blamed everybody except the person that signed the mandate.” This sentiment resonates with many who have lost loved ones during the pandemic and feel that their grief is compounded by a lack of accountability from those in power. The phrase “the buck stops here” has become a hollow mantra when leaders fail to take ownership of their actions.

The absurdity of Cuomo’s blame-shifting is further highlighted by Dean’s experience with the New York State Assembly. After filling out paperwork and preparing to share her story during a hearing, she was informed that her opportunity to speak had been rescinded. This incident underscores a troubling trend where the voices of those directly affected by policy decisions are silenced or marginalized. It raises questions about the transparency and integrity of the political process, especially in times of crisis.

Moreover, the refusal to conduct independent investigations into the nursing home policies, as Cuomo suggested, only adds to the perception of a cover-up. By relying on self-conducted investigations, there is a significant risk of bias and a lack of accountability. The public deserves to know the truth about the decisions that led to such tragic outcomes, and it is the responsibility of leaders to facilitate that transparency.

The implications of this situation extend beyond New York. Across the country, leaders have faced scrutiny for their handling of the pandemic, particularly regarding vulnerable populations. The nursing home crisis is not unique to New York; similar policies were implemented in various states, leading to widespread loss of life. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the pandemic, it is crucial that we hold leaders accountable for their decisions and demand transparency in the decision-making process.

In conclusion, the absurdity of blame-shifting in the face of tragedy is a reflection of a deeper issue within our political landscape. Leaders must recognize that accountability is not just a matter of political expediency; it is a moral obligation to those who have suffered as a result of their decisions. Janice Dean’s story is a powerful reminder of the human cost of political actions and the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. As we move forward, it is imperative that we advocate for the voices of those affected by policy decisions and ensure that leaders are held accountable for their actions. Only then can we begin to heal and rebuild trust in our institutions.